Abuja, Nigeria
Nigeria’s Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) has issued a stern warning against the dangers of misinformation, arguing that the future of the country’s democracy hinges on accurate and truthful reporting. The warning was delivered at the launch of a new book on the work of election journalists, which the electoral body used as a platform to underscore the media’s vital role in safeguarding public trust.
A Call for Verification
The event, held in Abuja on Friday, December 5, 2025, marked the public presentation of The INEC Press Corps: Chronicles of Nigeria’s Election Journalists, authored by the Chairman of the Corps, Mr. Segun Ojumu. INEC Chairman, Prof. Joash Amupitan, SAN, used the occasion to send a pointed message to the media, stating that “even the strongest electoral systems can be undermined by misinterpretation or deliberate distortion.””Democracy stands or falls on public trust,” Prof. Amupitan warned. “The era of reporting based on rumour must be laid to rest. If in doubt, verify with us directly.”He praised the 100-plus members of the INEC Press Corps for acting as a critical link between the Commission and the Nigerian public, helping to shape national understanding of complex electoral processes, from voter registration drives to security deployments.
Documenting the Risks
Prof. Amupitan commended the author, Mr. Ojumu, for documenting the “sacrifices, risks, and behind-the-scenes realities of election reporting,” describing the publication as “a roadmap for a more accountable electoral future.”With governorship elections in Ekiti and Osun States, as well as the FCT Area Council polls, approaching in 2026, the INEC Chairman stressed that the Commission is intensifying its collaboration with the media to bolster voter confidence.
Author Segun Ojumu, who drew on eleven years of reporting on the Commission, said the book is a tribute to the courage of journalists working in high-pressure and often volatile environments.”When you flip these pages, you are reading a history of courage,” Ojumu stated, noting the personal risks journalists face in defending the public’s right to accurate information. He highlighted that INEC’s technological reforms—such as digital accreditation and the IReV results portal—have necessitated a shift towards more analytical and data-oriented journalism. He called for better training and mental health support for election reporters.
Crucial Partnership for Democracy
The Resident Electoral Commissioner for the FCT, Aminu Idris, reinforced the message, describing the synergy between the media and INEC as “essential” for credible elections. He emphasised that the media has been key in translating complex technical reforms for the public. “You did not just report the reforms; you validated them in the eyes of the public,” he told the journalists in attendance.
The event, which brought together senior INEC officials, media executives, civil society representatives, and members of the diplomatic corps, underscored the book’s relevance to Nigeria’s continuous democratic evolution.
The ceremony concluded with the official unveiling of the publication by the INEC Chairman.
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